Ohio Democrat Busted For Felony Child Sex Crimes, Bodycam Released [WATCH]

Newly released police body-camera footage shows Whitehall City Council member Gerald Dixon being taken into custody on felony charges, including gross sexual imposition and compelling prostitution, as investigators allege he targeted teenage boys for sexual exploitation.

The arrest occurred around 5:30 p.m. Monday at Dixon’s home.

In the video, Dixon appears calm as officers place him in handcuffs.

One officer tells him, “We have warrants out for your arrest.”

Dixon responds, “Oh, do you?”

As officers escort him outside, Dixon asks, “What is this about please?”

An officer replies, “We’ll explain that to you in one second.”

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

During the encounter, Dixon appears surprised by the arrest and can be heard saying, “I mean, I’m a councilman, are you kidding me?”

Whitehall Police Chief Mike Crispen said the investigation centers on allegations that Dixon groomed teenage boys for sexual exploitation.

According to Crispen, the alleged conduct occurred before Dixon was elected to the Whitehall City Council. He said investigators have identified eight known victims so far, including one individual who is cognitively impaired.

Crispen said that victim was allegedly paid by Dixon for sex acts.

He added that investigators believe there may be additional victims as the case continues.

Following Dixon’s arrest, Whitehall police officers, along with the FBI, executed a search warrant at his residence.

Body-camera footage captures officers coordinating the search, with one officer stating, “Suspect is in custody, all units move to the house for entry.”

As officers prepared to enter the home, Dixon asks, “They aren’t going into my house are they? They have a search warrant for the house?”

Crispen said investigators seized electronic devices and artwork from the home as part of the evidence collection.

During the process, Dixon tells officers, “I’m home alone, can we make sure my doors are shut?” An officer responds, “Yeah, we’ll take care of that.”

Police then transported Dixon to the Whitehall Police Department for questioning.

Body-camera footage shows an officer explaining the next steps, telling Dixon, “You are going to go down to the police station for right now.”

After questioning, Dixon was taken to the Franklin County jail.

He was later released on a personal recognizance bond, which allows a defendant to be released without posting bail based on a written promise to return to court.

Court records show Dixon is scheduled to appear again on Dec. 23.

The charges against Dixon include two felony counts: gross sexual imposition and compelling prostitution.

Authorities have not released additional details about the alleged victims or the timeline of the offenses beyond stating that the conduct occurred prior to Dixon’s election to city council.

Whitehall police said the investigation remains ongoing and encouraged anyone with information related to the case to contact law enforcement.

The involvement of the FBI indicates the case may include potential federal elements, though officials have not publicly detailed that aspect.

Dixon’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the Whitehall community, where he has served as an elected official.

City officials have not yet announced whether Dixon has been suspended or removed from his council position pending the outcome of the case.

The body-camera footage released by police provides a detailed look at the arrest and search process, showing Dixon cooperating with officers as they executed the warrants.

Authorities said additional updates will be provided as the investigation develops and the case moves through the court system.